ß-Propiolactone

  • 2-Oxetanone
  • Propanolide
  • 1,3-Propiolactone
  • Hydroacrylic acid
  • 3-Hydroxy-ß-lactone
  • Propiolactone
FormulaC3H4O2
Structure
DescriptionA colorless liquid with a slightly sweetish, pungent odor.
UsesVersatile intermediate in organic synthesis, disinfectant.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS57-57-8
EC (EINECS/ELINCS)200-340-1
EC Index Number606-031-00-1
EC ClassCarcinogenic Category 2; Very toxic; Irritant
RTECSRQ7350000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Mutagen
UN (DOT)2810
Merck12,8005
Beilstein/Gmelin1360
Beilstein Reference5-17-09-00003
EPA OPP 10901
Swiss Giftliste 1G-2788
Canada DSL/NDSLNDSL
US TSCAListed
Austrailia AICSListed
New ZealandListed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECLListed

Properties.
Formula C3H4O2
Formula mass 72.06
Melting point, °C -31.2
Boiling point, °C 155
Decomposition point, °C 162
Vapor pressure, mmHg 2.2 (25 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 2.5
Critical temperature 389
Critical pressure 53.1
Density 1.145 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water 370 g/L (25 C)
Surface tension 22 g/s2 (20 C)
Refractive index 1.4138 (20 C)
Dipole moment 4.18 D
Partition coefficient, pKow 0.462
Heat of fusion 9.4 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 39.9 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -1410 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Deep freeze (below -20 C). Store protected from light. Store under argon.
WHMIS B3 D2A
Handling Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Use only in a chemical fume hood.
Protection Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Neutralize spill with sodium bicarbonate. Cover with sand, dry lime or soda ash and place in a closed container for disposal. Remove all sources of ignition. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable when stored at +5 C in glass containers.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong acids, acetates, halogens, thiocyanates, 2-aminoethanol, ammonium hydroxide, aniline, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, ethyleneimine, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, oleum, pyridine, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid.
Decomposition Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C74
Upper exp. limit, %25.1
Lower exp. limit, %2.9
Fire fightingWear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Will burn if involved in a fire. Combustible Liquid. Extinguishing media: Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. In case of fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or chemical foam.
Fire potentialModerately flammable. Combustion with moderate heating.
HazardsContainers may explode. When heated to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke and fumes. Stable when stored at 41F. Avoid storing in areas of exposure to the direct rays of the sun and in areas of high fire hazard. Tends to polymerize on storage. Avoid elevated temperatures.
Combustion productsFire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
NFPAHealth3
 Flammability2 
 Reactivity3 

Health.
Exposure limit(s)TLV: 0.5 ppm; 1.5 mg/m3 A3 (ACGIH 1997). OSHA PEL: 1910.1013 See Appendix B NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen N.D
CarcinoginO, G-A3, I-2B, N-2, CP65
Poison_Class1*
Exposure effects May cause cancer in humans. Animal studies have reported the development of tumors.
   IngestionMay be harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation of the digestive tract and possible burns. May cause nausea, vomiting, headache, cramps, chills and drowsiness.
   InhalationInhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation, edema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Toxic if inhaled. May cause burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Inhalation may cause sore throat, shortness of breath, labored breathing, coughing, and pulmonary edema.
   SkinMay be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Causes irritation with burning pain, scaling, itching and redness. May cause erythema and blistering.
   Eyes May cause conjunctivitis. Causes redness and pain. Causes eye irritation and burns. May cause permanent corneal opacification.

First aid
 
   IngestionGet medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.
   InhalationGet medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
   Skin Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
   EyesImmediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Transport.
UN number2810
Response guide153
Hazard class 6.1
Packing GroupI; II; III  
USCG CHRIS CodePLT  
IMO Chemical Code 17
IMO Pollution Category D
IMO Hazard code S